Medical Laboratory Technology

Program Overview

If you’re interested in the science and technology of health care, consider a career as a medical laboratory technologist. It will immerse you in an exciting diagnostic environment, working both independently and as part of a team to perform complex procedures and tests on all types of human specimens. You need to be meticulous, detail-oriented, committed to high standards and have aptitudes for critical thinking as well as math and science. If this sounds like you, check out Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Medical Laboratory Technology program.

Medical Laboratory Technology is a nationally accredited two-and-a-half-year diploma program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon. Experienced instructors guide you through a well-rounded curriculum that includes classroom theory, lab work and actual clinical experiences. You’ll learn about:

clinical chemistry and microbiology

hematology and hemopathology

histotechnology and immunology

laboratory practice

specimen collection and handling

transfusion science

Build Practical Skills

Class time is augmented by hands-on training in labs. You’ll also get 42 weeks of clinical practicum experience in hospitals and laboratories around the province, including placements in different settings to gain specific laboratory experiences, organizational skills and technical competence.

Diploma to Degree

Use your Medical Laboratory Technology diploma to ladder into a degree program at the University of Regina or Athabasca University (Alberta). A degree is usually required if you are interested in moving into management or teaching positions.

Serve in the Canadian Forces

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Medical Laboratory Technology program is recognized by the Canadian Forces, which means you can qualify for CF Paid Education funding. You receive advanced standing as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, which earns you a higher pay rate than graduates of non-CF recognized programs. Visit cafcod-rpfcfac.forces.gc.ca for more information.

Learning Environment

Each year, 40 students are accepted to this program. Students will experience a mix of traditional lectures, web-assisted learning, practical labs and clinical practicums that will increase in length as the program progresses.

For this program, there is a heavy workload with 15 - 20 hours/week of homework. Classes are Monday - Friday with variable hours between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Clinical practicum hours will coincide with health care hours. Clinical practicum hours can start as early as 7 a.m.

Lectures and Practical labs: Saskatoon

Clinical Practicum ExperiencesClinical practicum placement may occur at any approved site in Saskatchewan.Note: all sites require a rotation at a secondary site to meet program requirements

42-week clinical, which includes:

One week in second year at a location outside of Saskatoon

22 weeks in second year and 19 weeks in third year at an approved site within Saskatchewan.

Alternate sites may be required in second year and third year to meet program requirements.

Clinical practicum experiences are assigned by the Medical Diagnostics Committee on Practicum Placements (COPP). There are limited clinical placements in each location. Enrolment in the program will require acceptance of a clinical placement anywhere within Saskatchewan. Clinical placements are determined during the program closer to the dates for practicum experiences.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Medical laboratory technologists work for regional health districts, government health agencies, educational institutions and both private and public labs. You could work in a hospital, community clinic, research lab, industrial lab or veterinary clinic.

InterestsInterests describe what people enjoy doing often in the course of a day. Individuals in this program often enjoy:Working in the health care field due to genuine concern for others

Examining and investigating difficult questions

Learning about scientific skills and information

Working with details and numbers

Organizing and tracking information such as files or materials

Following orderly routines and schedules

Meeting clear standards for performance in concrete terms

Working in a fast-paced and changing environment

Working independently on tasks but contributing to a large team

ValuesValues describe what the potential students have a high regard for, what gives meaning to their work and their lives, and what things they will work hard for:

Taking a realistic, concrete approach to problems and dealing with things.

Seeing a finished product or visible results from what I do.

Developing excellence and a high level of competence in a scientific or math based field.

Being able to work and think independently within set procedures.

Accuracy plus organization in work, and managing large volumes of information.

A strong work ethic and commitment to professional development

Aptitudes/strengthsAptitudes or strengths are natural abilities, talents and general suitability for learning in a particular field. An example is a musical aptitude/talent where people have a natural ability; therefore, it is easier for them to develop skills in this area. Another example is mechanical ability. People with this natural talent are able to learn mechanical skills more easily than others who lack the suitability.

Mechanical ability - understanding and using the principles involved in building and repairing things

Entrance skillsA skill is learned and developed. It is the learned capacity to do something that has been practiced and worked on until it can be done easily. It is expected that individuals entering the program will have developed a reasonable level of skill in the following areas in order to successfully complete the program:

The purpose of this section is to give you an understanding of this career field and to help you make more informed career decisions.

There are 9 skill categories with examples of how workers use them on the job. The categories are: reading, using documents, writing, math, oral communication, thinking skills, working with others, computer use and continuous learning. This section is based on the more detailed Essential Skills developed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Communicate with other health care workers (such as coworkers, supervisors, nurses and doctors).

May give presentations to coworkers, professional associations, seminars/workshops and students.

Communication may be difficult when there is noise from some lab equipment, when the patient’s first language is not English, with some physical and/or mentally disabled patients, with fearful patients and with young children who cannot talk.

This refers to making a choice among options. Decision making occurs during problem solving but not all decision making is part of problem solving. Therefore, it is presented as a separate thinking skill. For example, buyers for retail outlets regularly make decisions about which suppliers to buy from and they select among the options for particular types of merchandise. This is not problem solving.

Decide whether specimen is acceptable.

Select the appropriate equipment for certain procedures.

Decide on what order to collect specimens.

Decide when to ask for help with completing certain procedures.

Decide when to refuse service.

Decide when to retest.

Decide how to manage and prioritize workload.

Job task planning and organizing (3 of 5 thinking skills)

Although duties are usually assigned and scheduled by the supervisor, the technologist will usually organize his/her own daily schedule.

Work is often organized within priorities and deadlines.

Emergencies may often disrupt a work schedule.

Work is coordinated with other coworkers for certain tests.

Significant use of memory (4 of 5 thinking skills)

Where they were in a procedure when they were interrupted.

What procedures are used for which tasks.

The name of tests and where tests should be forwarded.

Past interactions with patients when working with patients.

The location of supplies and equipment.

Preferences and protocols of the doctors who order the tests.

Finding Information (5 of 5 Thinking Skills)

Use reference and procedure manuals, and scientific and medical journals - print and online.

Use institutional and computer databases.

Talk to other health care workers (such as coworkers, supervisors, nurses and doctors).

Physics 30 will not be substituted for Physical Science 20 or Physics 20.

Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission into the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.

Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of CPR Health Care Provider (HCP), CPR Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR Level 'C' AED or equivalent certification upon admission into the program. CPR certification is valid for two (2) years from the date of completion regardless of the length of time indicated by the provider of the card or certificate. Recertification may be required during your studies. The cost of CPR certification is your responsibility.

Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 and canister respirator mask testing upon admission into the program. N95 and canister respirator mask testing is valid for two (2) years from the date of completion. Retesting may be required during your studies. The cost of N95 and canister respirator mask testing is your responsibility.

Effective July 1, 2019: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - $8,400Year 2 - $8,200Year 3 - $3,800

Additional programs costs that students are responsible for include:

CPR C/AED (Health Care Provider) – recognized by the program for two years from date of certification. If expires during programming student must recertify.

approx. $75 to $125

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search

approx. $75

Immunizations

no cost if immunizations are completed with a Saskatchewan Polytechnic Health Nurse.

completed outside of Saskatchewan Polytechnic fees range from $90 to $120 for Hepatitis B series

Mask FIT Testing – both required

N95 - approx. $75 to $125

Canister - approx. $75 to $125

Mask Fit testing is recommended to be updated annually, however, it is mandatory to be updated every two years. If expiry date occurs during programming student must re-submit proof of testing to the program. Cost of re-testing is the student's responsibility.

You will receive an introduction to health care and health care delivery systems. You will study the legal and ethical issues faced by health care professionals. You will discuss interpersonal and employability skills required in health care professions with an emphasis on teamwork, communication and stress management. You will learn methods to deal with grief and loss, in addition to skills and techniques for critical thinking and conflict management.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 42.0Equivalent Course(s): ETHC 185CE, HUMR 182Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

You will focus on laboratory procedures performed routinely in the clinical laboratory. These include the theory and use of hematology analyzers and the assessment of peripheral blood films.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 74.0Prerequisites(s): MTER 180, PROC 180(concurrent)Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group

HEMA 188

Hemopathology - Erythrocytes

2

You will explore the pathophysiology of various anemias as related to the laboratory involvement in diagnosis and treatment. You will also learn the special laboratory tests used for differential diagnosis. You will apply this theory to assess laboratory tests for analytical discrepancies and result validity.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 35.0Prerequisites(s): HEMA 179Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

You will study the body's innate and acquired defense mechanisms. Your studies will focus on the involvement of the immune system in various disease states and clinical conditions. The course also provides an introduction to the principles of antigen-antibody reactions and their application in many laboratory tests.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Prerequisites(s): MTER 180Equivalent Course(s): IMMU 183CEPotential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

You will learn how to collect, handle and transport various laboratory specimens to ensure the quality of laboratory results. The collection of blood specimens will be emphasized. You will practice capillary and venous collection on adults at various sites in the community.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 40.0Prerequisites(s): INFC 180Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

QC 194

Quality Management

2

You will receive an overview of methods used to ensure the quality of laboratory results. Quality assurance and quality control techniques will be emphasized.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

TRFS 180

Transfusion Science 1

3

You will acquire the theory and practice needed to perform basic techniques to detect antigen-antibody reactions. You will also learn how to perform ABO forward and reverse grouping, Rh grouping and the antiglobulin test (direct and indirect).Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 52.0Prerequisites(s): PROC 180, IMMU 183Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Year 2 - Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

BIOL 181

Molecular Biology

1

You will study the principles of molecular biology techniques and explain the practical applications of this technology as it would apply in a diagnostic laboratory. The course content includes DNA/RNA isolation, hybridization, Polymerase Chain Reaction and restriction enzyme analysis.Credit Units: 1Course Hours: 22.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

You will explore the pathophysiology of blood diseases involving primarily leukocytes as related to the laboratory involvement with diagnosis and treatment. You will also learn the special laboratory tests used for differential diagnosis. You will apply this theory to assess laboratory tests for analytical discrepancies and result validity.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 32.0Prerequisites(s): HEMA 179Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

You will learn how to interpret and recognize unusual/uncommon clinically significant microorganisms (including a limited number of fungi and parasites).Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Prerequisites(s): MICR 188Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

PATH 181

Laboratory Result Correlation

3

You will focus on the role of the laboratory in diagnosis and disease management. The course content includes the analyses used and brief descriptions of common disorders involving the various body systems. You will use this information to help you define the role of the laboratory in disease diagnosis and management. This information will assist you to detect possible discrepancies in laboratory test results.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 40.0Prerequisites(s): HEMA 179, CHEM 279(concurrent), HEMA 192Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

QC 193

Best Practices in Point of Care Testing

1

You will study roles and responsibilities of the health care team in point of care testing (POCT). You will learn steps necessary to implement POCT, principles of quality management and correlation of POCT results.Credit Units: 1Course Hours: 15.0Equivalent Course(s): QC 193CEPotential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

TRFS 181

Transfusion Science 2

4

You will acquire the theory and practice needed to detect and identify antigens and antibodies and other blood group systems. You will learn how to help diagnose, treat and prevent hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Diagnosing and treating immune hemolytic anemias will also be covered.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 55.0Prerequisites(s): TRFS 180Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience. Upon successfully completing this experience, you will be able to assist with specimen procurement, receive/distribute specimens and prepare specimens for analysis in a routine clinical laboratory.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 36.0Prerequisites(s): PROC 181Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience. Upon successfully completing this experience, you will be able to perform specimen procurement, receive/distribute specimens and prepare specimens for analysis in a routine clinical laboratory.Credit Units: 7Course Hours: 108.0Prerequisites(s): CLIN 291Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program or 30 credit units toward BSc (PD) with Majors in Applied Mathematics, Computing Information Systems and/or Human Science.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

Accreditation

Accreditation Canada/EQual Canada has accorded the MLT program full accredited status for a 6 year term.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program is an accredited program. Program content is based on the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science competency profile, with topics added as appropriate for addressing local needs.

Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) General Medical Laboratory Technology certification exam. This entitles you to work anywhere in Canada and to register as a licensed Medical Laboratory Technologist with the Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT).

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.